Diddy sued for sexual harassment by producer who demands Sh4.3b
Producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones has, in a federal court filing, accused Sean “Diddy” Combs of a litany of offenses, including sexual harassment, drugging, and threats over a span of more than a year.
Jones claims he lived and traveled with Combs during the production of Combs’ latest album, collecting hours of incriminating video and audio evidence.
The lawsuit alleges that Combs coerced Jones into procuring sex workers, pressured him into unwelcome sexual acts, and provided laced alcoholic beverages at parties held at his residences, some of which allegedly involved underage girls.
Jones also implicates Combs’ son, Justin, and key industry figures like Universal Music Group CEO Sir Lucian Grainge and former Motown Records CEO Ethiopia Habtemariam in a purported RICO enterprise.
Combs’ representatives vehemently deny the allegations, branding them as fabrications and signaling legal action against those who make them. Jones asserts that he has evidence to support his claims, including recordings of illegal activities.
Jones describes a pattern of abuse and intimidation by Combs, claiming he was subjected to constant sexual harassment and forced to participate in demeaning acts.
He alleges that Combs wielded his influence and power in the music industry to intimidate him, including threats of physical harm.
On one occasion, Jones alleges, Combs forced him to watch as he displayed guns and bragged about getting away with shooting people. In a separate incident, Jones alleges, Combs shared that he was responsible for a shooting in a nightclub in New York City in 1999 with the rapper Shyne, born Jamal Barrow.
A jury acquitted Combs of gun possession and bribery charges in connection with that incident, while Barrow was sentenced to 10 years in jail. Jones was terrified of Combs and felt he could not tell him no, according to the suit.
Furthermore, Jones contends that he was not compensated for his work on Combs’ album, leading to unjust enrichment for Combs and associated record labels.
This lawsuit adds to a series of damning allegations against Combs, including previous accusations of sexual assault by four women.
Despite Combs’ denials, these allegations have already begun to impact his reputation and business ventures, with fallout including his resignation from Revolt TV and the cancellation of a planned reality TV show about his family.
In January 2024, Combs withdrew his lawsuit against Diageo as part of a settlement with the London-based spirits giant, which he had accused of racism.